I love camping. My son is in scouts and learned to pack for himself. Everyone once in a while he would forget something and suffer the consequences. You’ll be in a group so it will be Ok. If he forgets his flashlight someone will just have to walk with him wherever he goes for example.

You have to get the kids to help you. They can lug stuff to and from the car, grab stuff from around the house, stuff it in a bag (always let them put it in the bag so they can find it).

I started like this. We need XYZ. Find it and bring it to me. Repeat until you have all the stuff you need scattered on the floor. Then have them help you organize it in bags. Then lug to car. As my son got older I gave him a list. He did the rest himself. He is now 13 and still camps with scouts and I don’t do a thing to get him ready (including food). Literally nothing except drive him to meet his troop (at this age parents don’t stay.).

It is truly amazing to watch them grow in this way. I go with them sometimes and he will pack for me! At least the gear, I’ll get my clothes. He will put up my tent 😀

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Camping with kids can be a lot of fun and is even better with the right gear.

1) Get a tent that is big enough to put in two nice air mattresses. You can use thicker air mattresses like the ones you use at home, just make sure you can inflate them at the camp out, like it can take a battery operated air pack.

2) Your child can help you set up. They should help you set up. Practice setting up the tent in the back yard so that they can help when you get to the camp site.

3) Bring your pillows from home and make yourself comfortable.

4) Buy one big tub/container. That is what your camping gear goes in, except for the tent. Only bring what fits in the container. You should be able to carry everything in one trip.

The best part, if your child continues on with Scouts, especially Boy Scouts, you don’t have to go camping when they bridge over to a Troop in 5th grade. You are not allowed to share a tent with your child in a Troop. And you don’t have to be at those camp outs, just find another way to volunteer to help the Troop if you don’t want to help with the camping.

Is that for real? After 5th grade, parents are not allowed to go camping with boy scouts or share a tent with your own child?

Yes, my 5th grader just went with his troop. My DH likes to camp so he tagged along but set up his own tent in a separate location. Was not permitted in the kids area. The boys shared tents provided by the troops. They set up and took down their sites without adult involvement.

So whatever OP is doing, her kids will need to know how to do on their own by 5th grade. The point of cub scout camping is to teach them this. Start showing them and let them have ownership. Carry their items from the car. Clean the kitchen and food stuff. Pack up at the end, even the smallest kids can do this with guidance.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Camping with kids can be a lot of fun and is even better with the right gear.

1) Get a tent that is big enough to put in two nice air mattresses. You can use thicker air mattresses like the ones you use at home, just make sure you can inflate them at the camp out, like it can take a battery operated air pack.

2) Your child can help you set up. They should help you set up. Practice setting up the tent in the back yard so that they can help when you get to the camp site.

3) Bring your pillows from home and make yourself comfortable.

4) Buy one big tub/container. That is what your camping gear goes in, except for the tent. Only bring what fits in the container. You should be able to carry everything in one trip.

The best part, if your child continues on with Scouts, especially Boy Scouts, you don’t have to go camping when they bridge over to a Troop in 5th grade. You are not allowed to share a tent with your child in a Troop. And you don’t have to be at those camp outs, just find another way to volunteer to help the Troop if you don’t want to help with the camping.

Is that for real? After 5th grade, parents are not allowed to go camping with boy scouts or share a tent with your own child?

They are allowed to go to camp but they no longer share a tent. Troops should be Scouts led, an opportunity for Scouts to learn skills and independence. Most of the kids love it. They can share a tent with a friend or camp solo. The older Scouts and Adult chaperones are there to help kids who need help.

Camping does require the parent be registered with the Troop and having completed youth Protection training.